Here are the 12 must-have PPE items every worker should wear or carry on a daily basis:
In any industrial or high-risk work environment, safety is not optional—it’s essential. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is your first line of defense against workplace hazards, and wearing the right gear daily can mean the difference between a safe shift and a serious injury. At ZDI, we’re committed to helping you stay protected with high-quality, compliant PPE solutions.
01
Why it matters: Protects against falling objects, head trauma, and electrical hazards.
02
Why it matters: Shields eyes from dust, chemicals, and flying debris.
03
Why it matters: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss.
04
Why it matters: Filters out harmful dust, fumes, and airborne particles.
05
Why it matters: Enhances visibility in low-light or high-traffic areas.
06
Why it matters: Prevents cuts, burns, and chemical exposure.
07
Why it matters: Protects feet from crushing, punctures, and slips.
08
Why it matters: Shields the body from dirt, chemicals, and abrasions.
09
Why it matters: Essential for working at heights—prevents fatal falls.
10
Why it matters: Prevents contamination in cleanrooms, food processing, or medical settings.
11
Protects workers from extreme heat, burns, and electrical injuries caused by sudden arc flash explosions in high-voltage environments.
12
Shields users from intense light, sparks, and molten metal splatter, preventing serious eye and skin injuries during welding operations.
The famous Dromex Hard Hat offers lightweight, durable head protection for everyday industrial use. Made from high-density polyethylene, it features an adjustable fit and ventilation for comfort in hot conditions—ideal for construction, warehousing, and general site work.
The SABS-approved hard hat offers reliable head protection for industrial and construction environments. Designed for durability and comfort, it features a tough outer shell and adjustable suspension for a secure fit—ideal for everyday use on South African job sites.
Bump caps offer comfortable, low-profile protection for environments where hard hats aren’t required. Ideal for warehouses, maintenance, and logistics, they feature a reinforced inner shell and breathable fabric—perfect for preventing minor head bumps in tight spaces.
Safety helmets are essential for protecting workers from falling objects, head trauma, and electrical hazards. They are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of serious head injuries in high-risk environments like construction sites and factories. A properly fitted, certified helmet is a non-negotiable part of daily PPE.
ZDI is a proudly South African wholesaler and distributor of high-quality PPE, safety wear, and uniforms. Since its founding in 2018, the company has focused on delivering reliable, certified protective gear to industries across the country. With a strong commitment to service, compliance, and affordability, ZDI partners with trusted brands to ensure workers stay safe, comfortable, and compliant on the job.
In South Africa, https://www.sabs.co.za/ refers to personal protective equipment that meets the https://www.sabs.co.za/, as developed and maintained by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). These standards ensure that PPE products are tested, reliable, and effective in protecting workers from specific workplace hazards.
| PPE Type | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Footwear | SANS 20345 | Specifies requirements for protective toe caps |
| Respirators | SANS 50149 | Covers particle filtering half masks (e.g., N95) |
| Safety Helmets | SANS 1397 | Requirements for industrial safety helmets |
| Protective Clothing | SANS 434 | Covers conti-suits and overalls |
| Eye Protection | SANS 1404 | Specifies safety goggles and face shields |
At ZDI – ZDI – Safety PPE & Uniforms Wholesaler Since 2018, we supply PPE that meets or exceeds SABS standards. Our products are sourced from trusted manufacturers and come with the necessary certifications to ensure compliance and peace of mind.
| PPE Item | Protects Against | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Helmets | Falling objects, head trauma, electrical shock | Construction, mining, warehousing | Shock absorption, adjustable straps, optional visors |
| Protective Eyewear | Dust, debris, chemical splashes, UV rays | Manufacturing, labs, woodworking | Anti-fog lenses, side shields, impact resistance |
| Hearing Protection | Loud machinery, prolonged noise exposure | Factories, airports, construction sites | Foam earplugs, earmuffs, noise reduction rating (NRR) |
| Respirators and Face Masks | Dust, fumes, airborne particles, pathogens | Chemical plants, painting, healthcare | N95 filters, half/full-face options, replaceable filters |
| High-Visibility Clothing | Low visibility, moving vehicles | Roadwork, logistics, night shifts | Reflective strips, breathable mesh, ANSI compliant |
| Protective Gloves | Cuts, abrasions, chemicals, heat | Welding, chemical handling, assembly | Nitrile, leather, cut-resistant, thermal insulation |
| Steel-Toe Safety Boots | Crushing, punctures, slips, electrical hazards | Construction, warehousing, logistics | Steel toe caps, anti-slip soles, waterproofing |
| Coveralls and Overalls | Dirt, chemicals, sparks, abrasions | Workshops, chemical plants, maintenance | Flame-retardant, acid-resistant, multi-pocket design |
| Fall Protection Harnesses | Falls from height | Roofing, scaffolding, tower work | Full-body harness, shock-absorbing lanyards, anchors |
| Arc Flash Protection Gear | Electrical arc explosions, extreme heat | Electrical maintenance, substations | ARC-rated fabrics, flame resistance, layered protection |
| Welding Protection Equipment | Sparks, UV radiation, molten metal | Welding, metal fabrication | Auto-darkening helmets, leather aprons, heat-resistant gloves |
| Disposable PPE | Contamination, infection, spills | Food processing, healthcare, cleanrooms | Single-use, lightweight, easy to dispose |
“We had a near-miss incident where a rockfall occurred during a blasting operation. Thanks to the Dromex ARC-rated coveralls and helmets, our team walked away unharmed. The PPE absorbed the impact and prevented serious injuries. We now conduct weekly PPE inspections and have seen a 70% drop in minor incidents.”
— Karabo, Safety Officer, Limpopo.
“Every pair of gloves we produce goes through a 5-point quality check. We’ve had clients report that our cut-resistant gloves prevented deep lacerations during glass handling. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about confidence in the field.”
— Bruce, Product Manager,
A Cape Town-based construction company reported a 50% reduction in head injuries after enforcing mandatory helmet use In one case, a worker was struck by falling debris from scaffolding. The helmet absorbed the shock, and the worker sustained only minor bruising. This incident reinforced the importance of consistent PPE usage and training.
During a routine transfer of industrial solvents, a valve malfunctioned, causing a chemical spill. The technician was wearing a full-body chemical-resistant suit, gloves, and a respirator. No injuries occurred, and the spill was contained within minutes. The company credited their strict PPE policy for avoiding a potential disaster.
👉 Want to share your own PPE success story? https://zdi.co.za/contact/.
Familiarize yourself with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), 1993. This law requires employers to provide a safe working environment and ensure that PPE is suitable, certified, and maintained [1](https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Publications/Occupational%20Health%20and%20Safety/What%20every%20worker%20should%20know%20about%20health%20and%20safety%20at%20work_.pdf).
Auditors often interview workers. Ensure your team knows:
Only use PPE that complies with https://www.sabs.co.za/. This not only ensures safety but also satisfies audit requirements.
📥 Download our PPE Inspection Checklist and Monthly Maintenance Log to stay compliant.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a critical component of workplace safety, designed to protect workers from hazards that cannot be eliminated through engineering or administrative controls. In South Africa, the use of PPE is mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993).
| PPE Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Hard Hats | Protect against head injuries from impacts |
| Safety Glasses | Shield eyes from debris, chemicals, and light |
| Ear Protection | Reduce exposure to harmful noise levels |
| Respirators | Filter out harmful airborne substances |
| Gloves | Protect hands from cuts, burns, and chemicals |
| Safety Boots | Prevent foot injuries from heavy objects |
| High-Vis Clothing | Improve visibility in low-light environments |
| Fall Arrest Systems | Prevent injuries from falls at height |
In South Africa, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA). This legislation mandates that every employer must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that the working environment is safe and without risk to the health of employees.
The law is clear: each employee who is exposed to workplace hazards must be equipped with and use appropriate PPE. This is not only a matter of compliance but a fundamental aspect of protecting lives and promoting a culture of safety in the workplace.
Safety shoes are as important for men as for women, and wearing them can give the worker protection, in conformity with standards and laws. Anyone who works with heavy machinery, hazardous items and chemicals should wear the corresponding safety shoes, to make sure no accidents happen. Such shoes are designed to provide protection from electrical risks, slipping and chemical spill
We offer a wide range of Conti-Suits to protect your workers clothing or to protect them from workplace hazards.
In an environment with harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays are present, your employees need respirators.
Safety glasses are worn every time work operations can cause foreign items to get in the eye. For instance, these should be worn during welding, grinding, cutting, nailing, or when working with harmful chemicals or concrete. Workers should wear a hard hat wherever there is a danger from bumps to the head, objects falling from above, or accidental contact with electrical hazards.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is important for welders because there are hazards when welding, cutting, and brazing. These hazards can include exposure to metal fumes and UV radiation, burns, shocks, cuts, and broken toes
Occupational skin diseases are as common as skin cancers, dermatitis, and other skin injuries, and infections are the second most common kind of occupational disease. This is why glove usage is crucial to protect the skin. Use gloves to avoid hazards involved with chemicals, sheet metal, glass, or electrical work
